Dave Bartholomew

Dave Bartholomew is an American musician, bandleader, and record producer from New Orleans, Louisiana. He is considered one of the most influential figures in the early days of rock and roll, and his work as a producer and songwriter helped to shape the sound and style of the genre.

Bartholomew began his career in the 1940s as a bandleader and trumpet player. He was a major figure in the New Orleans music scene, and he began working as a producer and songwriter in the late 1940s. He discovered and produced Fats Domino, one of the most successful and influential rock and roll artists of the 1950s, and together they co-wrote and produced many of Domino's biggest hits.

Bartholomew's productions were known for their strong rhythms, catchy melodies, and incorporation of elements of R&B, blues, and gospel music. He was also known for his skill as a songwriter and his ability to capture the energy and spirit of live performances in the studio. He produced and wrote songs for a variety of other artists, such as Smiley Lewis, Lloyd Price, and Shirley and Lee.

Bartholomew's work as a producer and songwriter helped to define the sound of the early rock and roll era, and his productions have been cited as major influences by many later musicians and producers. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1991, and he continues to be celebrated for his contributions to the genre. He passed away in 2019, but his legacy in the music industry continues to be remembered.